Depths of Space (IC, OPEN, FT)

[Theyra]

Captain Yryln, Master Rin along with some of her team and a squad of Shock Marines prepares to leave the airlock and enter the station. Captain we are set for your leave we will wait for your return and.... are prepare for the worse, he told the Captain from his wristguard.

Understood XO, and the Yryln closes the link. Well, Master Rin here we go.

The airlock opens and they and enter the space station with the shock marines in a guarding stance around them.

The city looked modernized and large. sky scrapers could be seem from a distance of the landing zone. There were singals made by the Harndarians to tell them where to land. The Land Zone was like a Helicopter Landing Pad, but much Larger and had a square shape. When they landed a squad of Harndarians waited for them.
"Welcome To Primsalis," One said,"We'll lead you to the Council Auditorium, just rush it over there before the media figures out you are aliens."

Okay, then lead the way, Yryln said respectably and group follows the Hanrdarians with the Shock Marines in a defensive stance the whole time.

[Osnil]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hddy--L6Trw

Lumier Space
The Commonwealth's chief strategy wasn't very effective. Most enemies were devastated, but not the Colma. And now they were coming at them with a vengence. Commander Wease contacted the planet below, "Admiral Stroy, we are under attack by insectoid fighters. Please send aid. I am not sure how much longer our ships can hold." Another explosion rocked the vessel.
"Understood, Commander. I will send as many as we can spare," Stroy replied.
The time had come. The Commonwealth's most dangerous attack. The Galactic squads were unleashed on the enemy to unleash the Mewtwo drones, which deactivated most mechanical programs-except the larger ones. Fighters were the ones that needed to get eliminated first. With their main assault out of the air, the enemy would be forced to the defensive.
Epsilion Space
"It was a defensive act, Sergeant," Commander Kale replied, "we offered you refuge and you were assaulted. I fear that we may have diplomatic repercussions, but our Chancellor will back my side-he supports you Soviks. We have quarters you can stay on until we get you safely away. It is also my honor to give those Ostians a piece of our guns."

[The United Tributational Territories]

"Maybe if he's dying, they'll let us use his body. It should still have the disease, fungi don't jump off a body once it's dead."

"It's a stupid idea, but it might work. The question is, do you know where they are at?" The Head Senator asked.

"They're here, we can ask them."

[The United Tributational Territories]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars

The Ostian Battlegroup made orbit around one of the Sol planets called 'Mars'. At the center of the formation was Crown Prince Joseph Marx's vessel, the I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, an Emperor Class battleship. The Emperor Class battleship is the only true capital ship in the Ostian navy. These ships were designed more flexibly, allowing its commanders to retrofit it as much as they please. The standard Emperor Class battleship was developed for more general uses, it is not as fast as standard Ostian starships but has more armor and firepower. A transmission came from the Ostian Battlegroup from the I.O.S. Relentless Zeal. "This is Crown Prince Joseph Marx of Ostian Battlegroup Sol, I would like to invite the commanders over to my vessel for a banquet. I feel that now is a good time to understand each other so that we can better coordinate our forces in the coming battle."

John let this cut into his screen, blocking out the connection to Harndar for a second. He listened, and responded by saying, "I'll be there in 5 Earth minutes." He then let Harndar back on his screen and said, "The Ostians are inviting us to a banquet. We should go over and ask them about the infected one. I'll see you there."
John got his best suit on, instead of a sports jacket he put on his Admiral's jacket, as he was the leader of the fleet before he became Emperor. He went to get Shellist, who was also wearing his Admiral's jacket. Shellist wasn't just wearing the jacket, he was wearing the traditional Master garb of the Hylotl underneath his coat. They brought the two Imperial Guardians that met the Ostians with them, and they set off to the vessel.

[The Greater Gambia]

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind suddenly felt something. It's fourth dormancy pod on Kalchata awoke. It felt the new bodies and biomass and new formations. This was good... if It somehow failed here, It would still have a point of infection into the galaxy. The Allmind began ordering It's Infestors and Spores. They made quick work of the corpses thrown into the pit, and throughout the underground tunnels and pits on Kalchata, It began moving again... fully awakening on a new world. Suddenly and without warning, Infestors and Spores burst from the ground or from pits, attacking everything in sight; trying to infect it, eat it or throw them into the pits.

It let out a satisfied growl as It did this, the growl rumbling through It's bodies disturbingly. The Allmind decided that this method of infestation would be best... the Ostians seemed to be fixed on ensuring It did not escape the planets It was on in their system, but It was sure It could win. And even if It did not, then the consumption and awakening was far from over. It continued sending more Infestors and Spores out into the planet, trying to infect as many as possible... trying to build another Highbreed army, as well as another 'Allmind Body'... incase It needed said form. It grinned on It's body on Xarintine, underground...

Temir grew annoyed at the lateness of the Research team. It had been almost an hour and they still hadn't showed up. they should have been there by now. Temir decided to call it in.

"Operative Temir here. What is the ETA on the Researchers?" The Rear Admiral was just as confused.

"They reported in that they landed safely 30 minutes ago, we haven't had word since." Temir grew uneasy. The "Swords of Okalar had been dispersed, at least around the site. If they were able to launch a counter attack, they would have known by now. He pulled out his SMG.

"Keeva, we might have a problem. Where's Kaleen?" He asked, looking around for the Valonian. Keeva was confused as well.

"He was here a minute ago. Maybe he-" Keeva was interrupted by a small, squid like creature lunging for her. Temir's natural reflex's kicked in and he pushed her out of the way. The creature landed on the ground and turned to the two Operatives, preparing to lunge again. Temir didn't give it the chance and shot multiple rounds into the thing, turning it into a tannish paste on the floor.

"What in Kavala's name was that?" Keeva asked, coming down from the experience.

"I don't know, the briefing said that nothing about that thing." Suddenly, they heard what could only be described as a squirming noise all around them. They turned around to find what looked like thousands of the little creatures crawling up out of the pit and leaping onto the glass platform. Temir and Keeva raised their weapons, but soon realized that it would be useless. They instead sprinted through the door, with the large swarm chasing behind them. As they ran, Temir quickly threw a Incendiary grenade out to the creatures behind them. While it wouldn't be able to hold them back forever, it would give them some breathing room.

[The V O I D]

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind suddenly felt something. It's fourth dormancy pod on Kalchata awoke. It felt the new bodies and biomass and new formations. This was good... if It somehow failed here, It would still have a point of infection into the galaxy. The Allmind began ordering It's Infestors and Spores. They made quick work of the corpses thrown into the pit, and throughout the underground tunnels and pits on Kalchata, It began moving again... fully awakening on a new world. Suddenly and without warning, Infestors and Spores burst from the ground or from pits, attacking everything in sight; trying to infect it, eat it or throw them into the pits.

It let out a satisfied growl as It did this, the growl rumbling through It's bodies disturbingly. The Allmind decided that this method of infestation would be best... the Ostians seemed to be fixed on ensuring It did not escape the planets It was on in their system, but It was sure It could win. And even if It did not, then the consumption and awakening was far from over. It continued sending more Infestors and Spores out into the planet, trying to infect as many as possible... trying to build another Highbreed army, as well as another 'Allmind Body'... incase It needed said form. It grinned on It's body on Xarintine, underground...

Temir grew annoyed at the lateness of the Research team. It had been almost an hour and they still hadn't showed up. they should have been there by now. Temir decided to call it in.

"Operative Temir here. What is the ETA on the Researchers?" The Rear Admiral was just as confused.

"They reported in that they landed safely 30 minutes ago, we haven't had word since." Temir grew uneasy. The "Swords of Okalar had been dispersed, at least around the site. If they were able to launch a counter attack, they would have known by now. He pulled out his SMG.

"Keeva, we might have a problem. Where's Kaleen?" He asked, looking around for the Valonian. Keeva was confused as well.

"He was here a minute ago. Maybe he-" Keeva was interrupted by a small, squid like creature lunging for her. Temir's natural reflex's kicked in and he pushed her out of the way. The creature landed on the ground and turned to the two Operatives, preparing to lunge again. Temir didn't give it the chance and shot multiple rounds into the thing, turning it into a tannish paste on the floor.

"What in Kavala's name was that?" Keeva asked, coming down from the experience.

"I don't know, the briefing said that nothing about that thing." Suddenly, they heard what could only be described as a squirming noise all around them. They turned around to find what looked like thousands of the little creatures crawling up out of the pit and leaping onto the glass platform. Temir and Keeva raised their weapons, but soon realized that it would be useless. They instead sprinted through the door, with the large swarm chasing behind them. As they ran, Temir quickly threw a Incendiary grenade out to the creatures behind them. While it wouldn't be able to hold them back forever, it would give them some breathing room.

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind growled with glee as It sent more Spores and Infestors out. As they left the safety of their base, there were screams everywhere... soldiers were being infected or eaten, and corpses were reawakening after being infected and turned. The Allmind grinned as the knowledge and memories of the bodies It ate grew within It. It began gaining lots of knowledge. Talgari... Interesting. It decided that they would be It's prey, just as the Ostians would be. It continued sending more Infestors and Spores.

Meanwhile, the Allmind in the pits was squirming and moving, reawakening fully. It let out a low rumble that reverberated throughout It's "body", and that caused the ground to shake slightly. To the aliens, it would feel like the planet itself was waking up. Really, the Allmind was. The Allmind had been asleep for thousands of years and now It had awakened in two parts of the galaxy that seemed somewhat distant. But that didn't matter. It was going to grow, and It was going to spread. Consume. And It was going to end the hunger...

[Harndar]

The city looked modernized and large. sky scrapers could be seem from a distance of the landing zone. There were singals made by the Harndarians to tell them where to land. The Land Zone was like a Helicopter Landing Pad, but much Larger and had a square shape. When they landed a squad of Harndarians waited for them.
"Welcome To Primsalis," One said,"We'll lead you to the Council Auditorium, just rush it over there before the media figures out you are aliens."

Okay, then lead the way, Yryln said respectably and group follows the Hanrdarians with the Shock Marines in a defensive stance the whole time.[/quote}

John let this cut into his screen, blocking out the connection to Harndar for a second. He listened, and responded by saying, "I'll be there in 5 Earth minutes." He then let Harndar back on his screen and said, "The Ostians are inviting us to a banquet. We should go over and ask them about the infected one. I'll see you there."
John got his best suit on, instead of a sports jacket he put on his Admiral's jacket, as he was the leader of the fleet before he became Emperor. He went to get Shellist, who was also wearing his Admiral's jacket. Shellist wasn't just wearing the jacket, he was wearing the traditional Master garb of the Hylotl underneath his coat. They brought the two Imperial Guardians that met the Ostians with them, and they set off to the vessel.

Primsalis
The Harndarians led them to what seemed to be a 21st century dome structure. Two Harndarians guards stood watch over the doors for the Council. The squad leader to that the foreigners can enter the building. The doors were open in front of them.
"Well, in you go, the media might soon caught wind." One of the guards said while opening the door.
Sol
The Head Senator and Quin stared at each other before speaking.
"Is it wise for us go? I mean, god knows what will happen." Quin crossed his arms and tipped his hat
"I think that these Ostians don't know about the.... SHIT! We forgot to tell them that they probably don't know the infected!" The Head Senator was in shocked after realizing what he had just forgotten.
"What are we going to do?!"
"We need to head to The Vessel as quickly as possible!"
"Right! Endros! Plot a course to Where the banquet is held! ASAP!"
"Right away!" The Welrin fired up it's engines and made it's way to to Mars.
Quin and The Head Senator, with 4 guards were dispatched to the location of where the banquet was held when they stopped at their destination.

[Theyra]

Okay, then lead the way, Yryln said respectably and group follows the Hanrdarians with the Shock Marines in a defensive stance the whole time.[/quote}

Primsalis
The Harndarians led them to what seemed to be a 21st century dome structure. Two Harndarians guards stood watch over the doors for the Council. The squad leader to that the foreigners can enter the building. The doors were open in front of them.
"Well, in you go, the media might soon caught wind." One of the guards said while opening the door.

The Yryln nods and the group enters the room . Master Rin and her two staff were making observations of the surroundings as they entered.

(the shock marines by the way are carrying plasma rifles and two of them have katana-like blade at their sides in sheaths. It's squad of five, three males, two females the difference is obvious, and the two katana holders are male and female.)

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - 2030 Earth Hours

The Ostian Battlegroup was orbiting in formation around Mars. The Ostian starships moved idly around the planet, their engines turned off and the occasional Battlesuit patrols around the planet and battlegroup. At the center of the battlegroup was the I.O.S. Relentless Zeal. A few shuttles approached the fleet, after a few checks these shuttles were allowed to pass into the formation and approach the Relentless Zeal. In comparison to the other Ostian starships, the Relentless Zeal was the largest in the fleet. The Battleship had a unique dark grey hull with dark red stripes along the wings. One of the two hanger doors opened for the incoming shuttles. The hangers were located in the rear of the vessel. Inside the hanger section as large with battlesuits lined up against the wall. Numerous wires were attached to the backs of these battlesuits, presumably for recharging. Despite this, large Ostian banners hung from the ceiling and some sort of red carpet was placed near the center of the hanger. The hanger crew directed the shuttles to their landing zones. When the shuttles landed, a few crewman rolled out a red carpet infront of the doors, making a path to the center. All around perimeter were Ostian Royal Guardsmen, their swords unsheathed and clenched at their chests. In the middle of the hanger were all the carpets led to was presumably the Crown Prince with a small entourage.

Displeoa System - Heading Towards Lepota - Between Vryi and Lepota - 57 Hours After Awakening

The battle continued to rage on. The Ostians and Highbreed were still exchanging fire with each other. The first trio of frigates were still engaging the bioship, being careful not to hit their own boarding pods. The rest of the Battlegroup maintained some distance between the bioships and Captain Drea's fleet. "Maintain distance, I want to see what cards the Highbreed has before we reveal ours." Ordered Prince Xaiver.

Admiral Feolf Specht was watching the battle unfold. "Atleast hes keeping his distance." Specht commented quietly.

"Admiral, we have an incoming hail from Captain Dyr", replied the communications officer.

"Confirmed."

"Opening frequency now."

"Admiral, I have contacted my people and have informed them of the current situation. The fleet is still on it's way and I have ordered to aid you in any way that I can.But, as long as I don't engaged the Hivebreed ship directly. Admiral, My ship is the only can that can informed my government of what is happening and they will not risk losing me. I can give you my troops that have been modified to fight the Hivebreed which most are A.I. controlled. And if they is any other way I can help than please tell me and i will do it".

"We shall stay here and observe the battle. So far its still undecided.

[The United Tributational Territories]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - 2030 Earth Hours

The Ostian Battlegroup was orbiting in formation around Mars. The Ostian starships moved idly around the planet, their engines turned off and the occasional Battlesuit patrols around the planet and battlegroup. At the center of the battlegroup was the I.O.S. Relentless Zeal. A few shuttles approached the fleet, after a few checks these shuttles were allowed to pass into the formation and approach the Relentless Zeal. In comparison to the other Ostian starships, the Relentless Zeal was the largest in the fleet. The Battleship had a unique dark grey hull with dark red stripes along the wings. One of the two hanger doors opened for the incoming shuttles. The hangers were located in the rear of the vessel. Inside the hanger section as large with battlesuits lined up against the wall. Numerous wires were attached to the backs of these battlesuits, presumably for recharging. Despite this, large Ostian banners hung from the ceiling and some sort of red carpet was placed near the center of the hanger. The hanger crew directed the shuttles to their landing zones. When the shuttles landed, a few crewman rolled out a red carpet infront of the doors, making a path to the center. All around perimeter were Ostian Royal Guardsmen, their swords unsheathed and clenched at their chests. In the middle of the hanger were all the carpets led to was presumably the Crown Prince with a small entourage.

John exited, Shellist at his side and the Imperial Guard behind them both. They walked down the hangar to meet the Crown Prince for the banquet.

[The Greater Gambia]

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind growled with glee as It sent more Spores and Infestors out. As they left the safety of their base, there were screams everywhere... soldiers were being infected or eaten, and corpses were reawakening after being infected and turned. The Allmind grinned as the knowledge and memories of the bodies It ate grew within It. It began gaining lots of knowledge. Tagali... Interesting. It decided that they would be It's prey, just as the Ostians would be. It continued sending more Infestors and Spores.

Meanwhile, the Allmind in the pits was squirming and moving, reawakening fully. It let out a low rumble that reverberated throughout It's "body", and that caused the ground to shake slightly. To the aliens, it would feel like the planet itself was waking up. Really, the Allmind was. The Allmind had been asleep for thousands of years and now It had awakened in two parts of the galaxy that seemed somewhat distant. But that didn't matter. It was going to grow, and It was going to spread. Consume. And It was going to end the hunger...

Temir and Keeva emerged from the the Facility to a scene of death and carnage. The dead Maug-Lai from the battle seemed to be rising once again, now mutilated from their previous wounds and the process of being assimilated into the Allmind. Salog and his men fought the creatures on all sides, now joined by the research team and their escorts, or at least what was left of them. The Maug-Lai Mecha suits were keeping most of the swarm at bay with their plasma beams, but even than many were still able to slip by and attack the infantry.

Temir and Keeva ran to meet up with Salog, who was being overpowered by one of his lieutenants, now assimilated. The infected Maug-Lai had him pinned down on the ground. Salog looked into his former comrade's face. A spore now was lodged into the back of his head, tentacles now coming out where his eyes should be. Temir took a shot, getting a head shot on the creature. Salog got up and looked up in surprise.

"So, you are alive, good. We'll need everyone we can get if we're going to kill these things!" Salog said, shouting over the sound of battle around them.

"Have you heard anything from the fleet?" Temir asked. Salog shook his head. He opened his mouth to talk but instead forced Temir's head down to dodge the plasma beam of one of the Mech suits, the beam made contact with a group of infected in the distance. Salog continued with what he was about to say.

"No, our communications relay bases must have been hit, your research team also had their equipment damaged." Temir cursed in Tagali.

"Our systems still work, I'll get them on the line. Keeva, cover me!" Keeva nodded and began firing on the oncoming infected.

Meanwhile, aboard Rear-Admiral Tila's flagship.

Rear-Admiral Tila stood in front of a holographic globe of the planet with symbols designating battle groups within the fleet. Around her stood holograms of the various captains of in the fleet and their Warlord counterparts in the Maug-Lai Armada. While the ground forces were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the highbreed. The sudden silence from the many of the armies on the ground drew the attention from the navy. At first, they thought it was just a counter attack from the remaining "Swords of Okalar" on the planet. They were proven wrong when multiple armies at once began to disappear within minutes of each other at separate places on the planet. When they attempted communication with the ground forces, they were only met with silence and short messages talking of parasites that are bringing the dead back to life before being cut off. At first the navy just brushed it off, until it was clearly visible that massive biomes began to instantly die. Changing from the bright green color of the forests to a dark, black within minutes.

Tila drew her finger over one of the battle groups and dragged it over an archipelago.

"Battle Group Takuja will position itself above these islands here and begin orbital bombardments. Focus on the northern island as that is where the parasites are mostly positioned." Captain Gaz Tagamee, the Dalga leader of Battle Group Takuja, spoke up.

"With all do respect, Rear-Admiral. My Battle Group is only comprised of 5 Keshiga Frigates and 3 Jakala Battlecruisers. While our Mass Accelerator Cannons can inflict massive damage to a traditional enemy. I have doubts that it will be effective on these...parasites. Perhaps, wouldn't it be better to use the ventral beams of the Todval-Classes and the Maug-Lai's Plasma weaponry? That way, the area will also be sterilized of any possible residual microbes just in case."

"We only have so many Todval's at our disposal at the moment. I've called for reinforcements from command, but who knows how long that will take." Tila said. Warlord Akono, Commander of the Maug-Lai naval forces in the system and second only to King Salog himself, interrupted.

"There is also the matter of King Salog. Our scans still show that there is still fighting around the Temple. Our main task should be to retrieve him and any survivors he has with him."

"We've also scanned the pocket. Estimates show maybe 200 of our own down there when this all started. That number has probably dropped drastically since the beginning of this meeting. By the time we would be able to get down there, they would all be dead." Akono would not take no for an answer.

"I have served with Salog since the early days of the Reunification. He has saved my life on multiple occasions and I have done the same for him as well. While you Tagali may be content with sacrificing your own to save your own skin, we Maug-Lai are not. We will go down there to get him, with or without your help!" Before Tila could say something, Akono logged off of the hologram. Moments later, a contingent departed from the bulk of Okar-Class Frigates left the main Maug-Lai fleet, lead by Akono's own Okar-Class Carrier. Tila cursed under her breath before issuing orders again.

"Captain Kaagi. If his ships don't report back in one hour or begin taking damage. Turn them into slag. We don't know how advanced these things are, but I'd rather not know and stop them here, than know and have them spread to other systems. Now, everyone, you have your orders, dismiss!" The Holograms shut off instantly. Suddenly, the call from Temir came in.

"Temir here, we're being attacked by some sort of parasite that can bring the dead back to life to fight for them. Requesting immediate evac!"

"You're in luck. Despite better judgement, Warlord Akono has broken away from the Maug-Lai fleet and is heading to your position. You need to hold out for a little while longer." Temir was about to object until, almost on cue, Maug-Lai Tokad-Class Bombers began strafing the area. Long carpets of plasma now encircled Salog, Temir and Keeva, and the handful of survivors with them. Maug-Lai dropships soon followed, firing down on any stragglers surrounding the survivors. They stopped slightly above the ground, just enough to let the survivors on. Salog and the rest rushed onto the ships, as the creatures began to flood back into the area. Once everyone was on, the dropships left immediately, closing the blast doors in midflight. As they lifted up into the air, it was clear that they would not have lasted a minute longer. The creatures could be seen as one massive horde swarming on the area from miles around. As the dropships reached the minimum safe distance from the ground, several Okar-Class Frigates got into position over the settlement. All of them began to spew huge beams of plasma on the ground. The blinding beams vaporized anything they touched, turning the ground beneath them into a black glass like substance. Bombers began to drop their payloads on the edges of the glassed area, but with less effect.

Now safe, the survivors took a breath. Out of the 200 hundred originally under Salog's command in the area. Only 10 remained, including The two operatives and 3 of the remaining members of the research team. As they landed in the carrier, Salog vowed that his dead here would be avenged.

[The Greater Gambia]

Todval
"Understood. we will prepare for your arrival." Lethox said, closing the transmission. the whole bridge seemed worried. this could go horribly wrong and everyone knew it.

The Tagali Shuttles landed in the hangar of the alien ship. As the troops, the Maug-Lai Commander took notice the small size of the hangar bay. Even to Tagali standards. One of the Tagali marines shoved her foot into a small door. She suddenly felt something slithering over her foot. Surprised by the sudden feeling and a little creeped out, she kneeled down and aimed her gun through the door. Through the scope of her rifle, she saw a tiny hallway for tiny people. The very thought sent shivers down her spine.

The Commander gave the all clear for the Diplomatic envoy to come aboard. Soon, another shuttle enter the hangar bay, dropping off the Taani woman that was the envoy. They now waited for the aliens to arrive.

[Spindle]

Eris closed her eyes, imagining the scene for a moment, before she tipped the shot into her mouth and swallowed. It burnt like a river of fire down into her stomach where it remained, still burning fiercely. She squeezed her eyes closed again, before grinning up at Khronos.

"I don't doubt it. I just hope it never becomes necessary." A moment passed before she looked quizzically at her empty glass, "Damn, this is good stuff. How do you make it?"

She could already feel her senses numbing slightly and decided that taking another one of those things would be madness-for now, anyway. If anything else stupid happened, she knew she'd probably have another one, or perhaps five. It really depended on how stupid the interruption was.




Euphemia continued to appraise Lyson as she wiped the blood from the table and her hopes slumped. He had convinced himself that the universe was out to get his people, and Euphemia wasn't sure if she could convince him otherwise. Not that she would tell him that.

"I see. You're afraid of us..." She spent another moment staring at Lyson before she made her decision.

"Lyson, how much of our history do you know?" She asked, already knowing full well what his answer would be. None.

[The Not so Hidden Valley]

Yodalf contacting the UTT asked about the New arrival " Sorry I was gone, should I be worried about anything? "

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

Todval
"Understood. we will prepare for your arrival." Lethox said, closing the transmission. the whole bridge seemed worried. this could go horribly wrong and everyone knew it.

The Tagali Shuttles landed in the hangar of the alien ship. As the troops, the Maug-Lai Commander took notice the small size of the hangar bay. Even to Tagali standards. One of the Tagali marines shoved her foot into a small door. She suddenly felt something slithering over her foot. Surprised by the sudden feeling and a little creeped out, she kneeled down and aimed her gun through the door. Through the scope of her rifle, she saw a tiny hallway for tiny people. The very thought sent shivers down her spine.

The Commander gave the all clear for the Diplomatic envoy to come aboard. Soon, another shuttle enter the hangar bay, dropping off the Taani woman that was the envoy. They now waited for the aliens to arrive.

The walls would open up, and hulking, man sized mechs would emerge. they were bipedal, and armed with plasma weaponry. they made no move of hostility, but were alert. then the door opened, and out came Lethox, surrounded by several armed guards. Lethox stared up at the titans, his small serpentine body being nothing compared to them. he then activated the gravity manipulator on his back, causing him to levitate to face height with the titans, his 1 foot frame dangling in the air. he then cleared his throat and spoke.

"I hope you don't mind the mechs, you'll forgive me when I say that we have had bad relations with you Titans in the past." He said, his voice calm and smooth.

[The Greater Gambia]

The walls would open up, and hulking, man sized mechs would emerge. they were bipedal, and armed with plasma weaponry. they made no move of hostility, but were alert. then the door opened, and out came Lethox, surrounded by several armed guards. Lethox stared up at the titans, his small serpentine body being nothing compared to them. he then activated the gravity manipulator on his back, causing him to levitate to face height with the titans, his 1 foot frame dangling in the air. he then cleared his throat and spoke.

"I hope you don't mind the mechs, you'll forgive me when I say that we have had bad relations with you Titans in the past." He said, his voice calm and smooth.

The Marines grew tense at the sudden appearance of the mechs. Their Commander let out a low growl. The Envoy, however, was not phased and just continued on.

"Greetings, I am Kiila Yol'Vala from the Tagali Federation Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs. It seems that a lot of species we've encountered recently have all been refugees of some sorts. Tell me, is there some calamity hitting the galaxy that hasn't reached us yet?"

[The V O I D]

Eris closed her eyes, imagining the scene for a moment, before she tipped the shot into her mouth and swallowed. It burnt like a river of fire down into her stomach where it remained, still burning fiercely. She squeezed her eyes closed again, before grinning up at Khronos.

"I don't doubt it. I just hope it never becomes necessary." A moment passed before she looked quizzically at her empty glass, "Damn, this is good stuff. How do you make it?"

She could already feel her senses numbing slightly and decided that taking another one of those things would be madness-for now, anyway. If anything else stupid happened, she knew she'd probably have another one, or perhaps five. It really depended on how stupid the interruption was.




Euphemia continued to appraise Lyson as she wiped the blood from the table and her hopes slumped. He had convinced himself that the universe was out to get his people, and Euphemia wasn't sure if she could convince him otherwise. Not that she would tell him that.

"I see. You're afraid of us..." She spent another moment staring at Lyson before she made her decision.

"Lyson, how much of our history do you know?" She asked, already knowing full well what his answer would be. None.

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Khronos kissed Eris briefly, holding her close as he finished his wine glass. He smiled when she asked about it, at the same time inside he felt... saddened. Still, though, he decided to answer her question.

"It's made from Taar Berries, from our homeworld. Very potent if you let it age, and age it well.", he said simply. He kissed her again, holding her close, just wanting to be with her and deal with no other problems.

Meanwhile, Lyson simply snorted at Euphemia, shaking his head. Why should he care about a Xeno's history? That was not important. Nor relevant. It was simply a tactic to try and get him to betray his people. A trick; nothing more. He'd never fall for xeno tricks... not like the Imperator seems to have done. Lyson continued deathglaring at her, hoping it would eventually work.

"Tha'jai xeno. That's what you are.", he hissed viciously...

---

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind growled with glee as It sent more Spores and Infestors out. As they left the safety of their base, there were screams everywhere... soldiers were being infected or eaten, and corpses were reawakening after being infected and turned. The Allmind grinned as the knowledge and memories of the bodies It ate grew within It. It began gaining lots of knowledge. Tagali... Interesting. It decided that they would be It's prey, just as the Ostians would be. It continued sending more Infestors and Spores.

Meanwhile, the Allmind in the pits was squirming and moving, reawakening fully. It let out a low rumble that reverberated throughout It's "body", and that caused the ground to shake slightly. To the aliens, it would feel like the planet itself was waking up. Really, the Allmind was. The Allmind had been asleep for thousands of years and now It had awakened in two parts of the galaxy that seemed somewhat distant. But that didn't matter. It was going to grow, and It was going to spread. Consume. And It was going to end the hunger...

Temir and Keeva emerged from the the Facility to a scene of death and carnage. The dead Maug-Lai from the battle seemed to be rising once again, now mutilated from their previous wounds and the process of being assimilated into the Allmind. Salog and his men fought the creatures on all sides, now joined by the research team and their escorts, or at least what was left of them. The Maug-Lai Mecha suits were keeping most of the swarm at bay with their plasma beams, but even than many were still able to slip by and attack the infantry.

Temir and Keeva ran to meet up with Salog, who was being overpowered by one of his lieutenants, now assimilated. The infected Maug-Lai had him pinned down on the ground. Salog looked into his former comrade's face. A spore now was lodged into the back of his head, tentacles now coming out where his eyes should be. Temir took a shot, getting a head shot on the creature. Salog got up and looked up in surprise.

"So, you are alive, good. We'll need everyone we can get if we're going to kill these things!" Salog said, shouting over the sound of battle around them.

"Have you heard anything from the fleet?" Temir asked. Salog shook his head. He opened his mouth to talk but instead forced Temir's head down to dodge the plasma beam of one of the Mech suits, the beam made contact with a group of infected in the distance. Salog continued with what he was about to say.

"No, our communications relay bases must have been hit, your research team also had their equipment damaged." Temir cursed in Tagali.

"Our systems still work, I'll get them on the line. Keeva, cover me!" Keeva nodded and began firing on the oncoming infected.

Meanwhile, aboard Rear-Admiral Tila's flagship.

Rear-Admiral Tila stood in front of a holographic globe of the planet with symbols designating battle groups within the fleet. Around her stood holograms of the various captains of in the fleet and their Warlord counterparts in the Maug-Lai Armada. While the ground forces were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the highbreed. The sudden silence from the many of the armies on the ground drew the attention from the navy. At first, they thought it was just a counter attack from the remaining "Swords of Okalar" on the planet. They were proven wrong when multiple armies at once began to disappear within minutes of each other at separate places on the planet. When they attempted communication with the ground forces, they were only met with silence and short messages talking of parasites that are bringing the dead back to life before being cut off. At first the navy just brushed it off, until it was clearly visible that massive biomes began to instantly die. Changing from the bright green color of the forests to a dark, black within minutes.

Tila drew her finger over one of the battle groups and dragged it over an archipelago.

"Battle Group Takuja will position itself above these islands here and begin orbital bombardments. Focus on the northern island as that is where the parasites are mostly positioned." Captain Gaz Tagamee, the Dalga leader of Battle Group Takuja, spoke up.

"With all do respect, Rear-Admiral. My Battle Group is only comprised of 5 Keshiga Frigates and 3 Jakala Battlecruisers. While our Mass Accelerator Cannons can inflict massive damage to a traditional enemy. I have doubts that it will be effective on these...parasites. Perhaps, wouldn't it be better to use the ventral beams of the Todval-Classes and the Maug-Lai's Plasma weaponry? That way, the area will also be sterilized of any possible residual microbes just in case."

"We only have so many Todval's at our disposal at the moment. I've called for reinforcements from command, but who knows how long that will take." Tila said. Warlord Akono, Commander of the Maug-Lai naval forces in the system and second only to King Salog himself, interrupted.

"There is also the matter of King Salog. Our scans still show that there is still fighting around the Temple. Our main task should be to retrieve him and any survivors he has with him."

"We've also scanned the pocket. Estimates show maybe 200 of our own down there when this all started. That number has probably dropped drastically since the beginning of this meeting. By the time we would be able to get down there, they would all be dead." Akono would not take no for an answer.

"I have served with Salog since the early days of the Reunification. He has saved my life on multiple occasions and I have done the same for him as well. While you Tagali may be content with sacrificing your own to save your own skin, we Maug-Lai are not. We will go down there to get him, with or without your help!" Before Tila could say something, Akono logged off of the hologram. Moments later, a contingent departed from the bulk of Okar-Class Frigates left the main Maug-Lai fleet, lead by Akono's own Okar-Class Carrier. Tila cursed under her breath before issuing orders again.

"Captain Kaagi. If his ships don't report back in one hour or begin taking damage. Turn them into slag. We don't know how advanced these things are, but I'd rather not know and stop them here, than know and have them spread to other systems. Now, everyone, you have your orders, dismiss!" The Holograms shut off instantly. Suddenly, the call from Temir came in.

"Temir here, we're being attacked by some sort of parasite that can bring the dead back to life to fight for them. Requesting immediate evac!"

"You're in luck. Despite better judgement, Warlord Akono has broken away from the Maug-Lai fleet and is heading to your position. You need to hold out for a little while longer." Temir was about to object until, almost on cue, Maug-Lai Tokad-Class Bombers began strafing the area. Long carpets of plasma now encircled Salog, Temir and Keeva, and the handful of survivors with them. Maug-Lai dropships soon followed, firing down on any stragglers surrounding the survivors. They stopped slightly above the ground, just enough to let the survivors on. Salog and the rest rushed onto the ships, as the creatures began to flood back into the area. Once everyone was on, the dropships left immediately, closing the blast doors in midflight. As they lifted up into the air, it was clear that they would not have lasted a minute longer. The creatures could be seen as one massive horde swarming on the area from miles around. As the dropships reached the minimum safe distance from the ground, several Okar-Class Frigates got into position over the settlement. All of them began to spew huge beams of plasma on the ground. The blinding beams vaporized anything they touched, turning the ground beneath them into a black glass like substance. Bombers began to drop their payloads on the edges of the glassed area, but with less effect.

Now safe, the survivors took a breath. Out of the 200 hundred originally under Salog's command in the area. Only 10 remained, including The two operatives and 3 of the remaining members of the research team. As they landed in the carrier, Salog vowed that his dead here would be avenged.

Valkyrie System
Kalchata
Battle of Kalchata

The Allmind, thanks to this planet, had reached sufficient biomass. It grumbled as those few escaped, It could tell they were important - mostly due to the information It had absorbed. Now, however, It decided that It needed to get to other planets and systems. It growled at the orbital bombardment taking place... that would not be helpful in the slightest. It sent Infestors at the ships; the Infestors had wings and could fly with ease. They used their acid spit to try and pierce into the hulls of the enemy ships, to release Spores unto them.

It felt the amount of It's biomass reach the necessary amount. The Allmind now had a second 'body' of sorts on this world, similar to Xarintine. Now, It could... communicate, if It so wished. It decided that these aliens, based on their actions, were more easily... dissuaded from attack. And probably had more fear... It sensed the fear around It, no matter how subconscious. This fear was more abundant than within the Ostians. Perfect. It hacked into scanners using tentacles and Highbreed soldiers. A low, deep pitched voice burst through the enemy communications.

"Thank you. For you have awoken Us. We are the Allmind. We are the Highbreed. We awakened elsewhere a while ago, and now we have awakened here thanks to you. We shall consume all. We hunger. And you can't win...for this world belongs to Us now.", It spoke through the communications network on an open channel with all enemy ships. It felt a spike in fear, and that felt good. It decided now was the time to ensure this world's infection, regardless of their glassing. The Allmind, via the various pits on the planet, began releasing tons of microspores. This would appear offplanet as a reddish cloudlike gas that seemed to infect all life in its path. It decided that this would be good.

[The United Tributational Territories]

Yodalf contacting the UTT asked about the New arrival " Should I be worried about those?"

John was en route to the Ostian ship, and received a mess age from the elves. The message was about the new ships coming into Sol, and John knew everyone currently in Sol.

"Everyone here is an ally of the UTT, therefore we are working towards the same goals. I advise you to come to the Ostian banquet, there you will be able to meet everyone working with us."

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

The walls would open up, and hulking, man sized mechs would emerge. they were bipedal, and armed with plasma weaponry. they made no move of hostility, but were alert. then the door opened, and out came Lethox, surrounded by several armed guards. Lethox stared up at the titans, his small serpentine body being nothing compared to them. he then activated the gravity manipulator on his back, causing him to levitate to face height with the titans, his 1 foot frame dangling in the air. he then cleared his throat and spoke.

"I hope you don't mind the mechs, you'll forgive me when I say that we have had bad relations with you Titans in the past." He said, his voice calm and smooth.

The Marines grew tense at the sudden appearance of the mechs. Their Commander let out a low growl. The Envoy, however, was not phased and just continued on.

"Greetings, I am Kiila Yol'Vala from the Tagali Federation Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs. It seems that a lot of species we've encountered recently have all been refugees of some sorts. Tell me, is there some calamity hitting the galaxy that hasn't reached us yet?"

Lethox took a sharp breath. "A... horrible force... they call themselves the Crystal Empire. they exist as massive crystalline ships, moving across the universe, bringing death and destruction wherever they go. If they ever come to you, run." Lethox said, his eyes deathly serious.

[The Greater Gambia]

The Marines grew tense at the sudden appearance of the mechs. Their Commander let out a low growl. The Envoy, however, was not phased and just continued on.

"Greetings, I am Kiila Yol'Vala from the Tagali Federation Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs. It seems that a lot of species we've encountered recently have all been refugees of some sorts. Tell me, is there some calamity hitting the galaxy that hasn't reached us yet?"

Lethox took a sharp breath. "A... horrible force... they call themselves the Crystal Empire. they exist as massive crystalline ships, moving across the universe, bringing death and destruction wherever they go. If they ever come to you, run." Lethox said, his eyes deathly serious.

"From we've analyzed from your ship, that would be the case for anything. Your systems seem archaic. You're lucky you came out here instead of one of the fringe colonies." The Maug-Lai Commander. Kiila glared at him.

"Commander, please show discretion and let me handle this." The Commander grunted and returned to just staring out the hangar, captivated by the void. Kiila refocused on the floating snake person in front of her.

"I apologize for him. The Maug-Lai are not the most sensitive of the Federation species. That title goes to us, the Taani. I will raise the subject about this Chrystal Empire with my superiors once I return to the capital. But for now, you are safe. I'm afraid to say that all of the planets in this system are already heavily inhabited by the local Tagali. I also regret to inform you that until we can verify your story, we cannot permit you to leave for security purposes. I hope you understand, Security Protocols and what not."

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

Lethox took a sharp breath. "A... horrible force... they call themselves the Crystal Empire. they exist as massive crystalline ships, moving across the universe, bringing death and destruction wherever they go. If they ever come to you, run." Lethox said, his eyes deathly serious.

"From we've analyzed from your ship, that would be the case for anything. Your systems seem archaic. You're lucky you came out here instead of one of the fringe colonies." The Maug-Lai Commander. Kiila glared at him.

"Commander, please show discretion and let me handle this." The Commander grunted and returned to just staring out the hangar, captivated by the void. Kiila refocused on the floating snake person in front of her.

"I apologize for him. The Maug-Lai are not the most sensitive of the Federation species. That title goes to us, the Taani. I will raise the subject about this Chrystal Empire with my superiors once I return to the capital. But for now, you are safe. I'm afraid to say that all of the planets in this system are already heavily inhabited by the local Tagali. I also regret to inform you that until we can verify your story, we cannot permit you to leave for security purposes. I hope you understand, Security Protocols and what not."

Lethox nodded, letting out a sigh. "I understand... I just... I would like to be assured that you will stay away from subsection 32. It is rather... sensitive." He said. he was referring to the 200,000 people in cryo stasis.

[The Greater Gambia]

"From we've analyzed from your ship, that would be the case for anything. Your systems seem archaic. You're lucky you came out here instead of one of the fringe colonies." The Maug-Lai Commander. Kiila glared at him.

"Commander, please show discretion and let me handle this." The Commander grunted and returned to just staring out the hangar, captivated by the void. Kiila refocused on the floating snake person in front of her.

"I apologize for him. The Maug-Lai are not the most sensitive of the Federation species. That title goes to us, the Taani. I will raise the subject about this Chrystal Empire with my superiors once I return to the capital. But for now, you are safe. I'm afraid to say that all of the planets in this system are already heavily inhabited by the local Tagali. I also regret to inform you that until we can verify your story, we cannot permit you to leave for security purposes. I hope you understand, Security Protocols and what not."

Lethox nodded, letting out a sigh. "I understand... I just... I would like to be assured that you will stay away from subsection 32. It is rather... sensitive." He said. he was referring to the 200,000 people in cryo stasis.

"While I can't make any promises about what the military can do. I can assure you that your equipment will not be harmed unless it is deemed a threat to the Tagali Federation. And, not to be rude, but by judging by the technology you are in possession of, I highly doubt you have anything to worry about."

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

Lethox nodded, letting out a sigh. "I understand... I just... I would like to be assured that you will stay away from subsection 32. It is rather... sensitive." He said. he was referring to the 200,000 people in cryo stasis.

"While I can't make any promises about what the military can do. I can assure you that your equipment will not be harmed unless it is deemed a threat to the Tagali Federation. And, not to be rude, but by judging by the technology you are in possession of, I highly doubt you have anything to worry about."

"Our hyperdrive may be limited, but our advancements in artificial intelligence was what made my people famous. they used to say that there was no better computer, than a Deveonok computer." Lethox said. "Now I must insist you keep them out of that area. It contains sensitive objects that I cant risk being damaged." He continued.

[The Greater Gambia]

"While I can't make any promises about what the military can do. I can assure you that your equipment will not be harmed unless it is deemed a threat to the Tagali Federation. And, not to be rude, but by judging by the technology you are in possession of, I highly doubt you have anything to worry about."

"Our hyperdrive may be limited, but our advancements in artificial intelligence was what made my people famous. they used to say that there was no better computer, than a Deveonok computer." Lethox said. "Now I must insist you keep them out of that area. It contains sensitive objects that I cant risk being damaged." He continued.

The Marines were beginning to grow uneasy. They switched their rifles to the anti-armor setting. Kiila was getting worried, the last thing she needed was to be caught I the crossfire.

"Admiral, I would advise against aggravating my escort. If you could at least tell us what's so important about that area, I could make sure whatever it is does not get damaged."

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

"Our hyperdrive may be limited, but our advancements in artificial intelligence was what made my people famous. they used to say that there was no better computer, than a Deveonok computer." Lethox said. "Now I must insist you keep them out of that area. It contains sensitive objects that I cant risk being damaged." He continued.

The Marines were beginning to grow uneasy. They switched their rifles to the anti-armor setting. Kiila was getting worried, the last thing she needed was to be caught I the crossfire.

"Admiral, I would advise against aggravating my escort. If you could at least tell us what's so important about that area, I could make sure whatever it is does not get damaged."

Lethox really didn't want to, but things looked like they could go wrong. so he took a deep breath. "The last of my people. 200,000 souls, all in cryo stasis. I cant let any harm come to them. surly you understand?" Lethox said.